Hot dogs are a classic (a grilled or steamed sausage typically made from pork, beef, or a blend of meats). They're the star of summer barbecues and a must-have at baseball games.
We could eat them daily,. The only thing better than a hot dog is a hot dog with the perfect side dish.
We're talking about those extra treats that complete the meal.
What's a hot dog without some crunchy coleslaw or tangy pickles? These sides make hot dogs even better.
So, let's break down the best sides to serve. Get ready to discover our must-haves.
Ready for some tasty ideas?
Top 10 Side Dishes for Hot Dogs
Here are the top 10 side dishes that will take your hot dog game to the next level:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Baked Beans | Beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar | Sweet, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
| Potato Salad | Potatoes, mayo, mustard, eggs | Creamy, tangy | Moderate | 1 hr |
| Macaroni Salad | Pasta, veggies, mayo, vinegar | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 30 min |
| Chili | Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, spices | Spicy, savory | Moderate | 1 hr |
| Sauerkraut | Cabbage, vinegar, salt | Sour, savory | Easy | 10 min |
| Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, salt | Sweet, savory | Easy | 15 min |
| Deviled Eggs | Hard-boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, paprika | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 30 min |
| Baked Tater Tots | Potatoes, oil, salt | Crispy, savory | Easy | 25 min |
| Fruit Salad | Mixed fruits, honey, mint | Sweet, refreshing | Easy | 20 min |
1 - Baked Beans
Baked beans are a barbecue classic, and we all know why - rich, smoky flavors that pair with many baked beans side dish ideas.
We love using navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) simmered in a rich sauce of brown sugar, molasses, and bacon.
The smoky and sweet combo is off the charts.
Pro tip: Try adding a hint of mustard for a slight kick. Perfect comfort food, right?
2 - Coleslaw
We love coleslaw for its crunchy texture and cool, refreshing taste. Made from shredded cabbage (a cruciferous vegetable, Brassica oleracea) and carrots, mixed with a tangy dressing.
It's the perfect balance of sweet and sour that gives a nice kick. Add a bit of apple cider vinegar and sugar for that extra zing.
Our favorite? A creamy coleslaw with mayo, sour cream, and a touch of mustard.
It's a staple for our hot dogs.
3 - Potato Salad
Potato salad, we all love it. Creamy potatoes (use waxy red potatoes for a firmer texture), tangy mayonnaise, and the crunch of celery.
It's like a hug in a bowl. We prefer it with a dash of mustard and a sprinkle of paprika.
Best served chilled on a hot day, and it pairs nicely with sweet potato soup side options.
Plus, it's got that nostalgic vibe, like picnics from our childhood.
4 - Macaroni Salad
We love the creamy texture and the way it goes well with a hot dog, and it pairs with other macaroni salad side ideas.
Fresh pasta, mixed veggies, and a tangy dressing make it a summer favorite. Our go-to ingredients?
Elbow macaroni (small, curved pasta), mayo, mustard, vinegar, celery, and sweet pickles for a little crunch.
The flavor is a blend of creamy, tangy, and a bit sweet. We prefer adding a little onion for an extra bite and a sprinkle of dill for a fresh taste.
Perfect for summer picnics or any day ending in "Y."
5 - Chili con Carne
Chili con carne is our spicy love affair, and it pairs well with white chicken chili side dishes.
We jazz it up with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of spices.
The smoky cumin and spicy chili powder (a blend of ground chilies, cumin, and oregano) give it that deep, rich flavor. A dash of hot sauce kicks up the heat.
We like adding a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
6 - Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is one of our top faves for hot dogs. It's tangy, crunchy, and adds a fantastic zing.
We love that fermentation gives it a unique sourness (from lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus).
Ingredients are simple: shredded cabbage, salt, and time for fermentation. It's rich in probiotics too.
The flavor? A perfect mix of sour and salty.
We always keep it around for our hot dog nights.
Pro tip: add caraway seeds for an extra kick.
7 - Corn on the Cob
Oh man, corn on the cob is like summer in your mouth. We love it for its perfect balance of sweet and crunchy (sweet corn, Zea mays).
Slather it with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and you're in for a treat.
Fresh corn on the cob steals the show every time, and it also complements Mexican street corn side dishes.
8 - Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a party favorite, and similar poached eggs side dish ideas work well at brunch.
Ingredients include hard-boiled eggs (cooked 9-12 minutes), mayo, mustard, vinegar, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Our version has that perfect balance of smooth and tangy. We love the bite of the mustard and the slight crunch from the relish.
9 - Baked Tater Tots
Tater tots are our crispy, golden nuggets of joy. Bite-sized and crunchy outside, fluffy inside, they're comfort food perfection.
We layer them just right and bake until golden-brown.
Ingredients? Shredded potatoes (russet potatoes work best), salt, pepper, a hint of garlic powder.
Key tip: bake them for extra crunch, no frying needed. We like them with ketchup or ranch for dipping.
A personal fave for any casual meal.
10 - Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a pop of freshness on our plates. We mix a variety of fruits like berries, melons (cantaloupe or honeydew), grapes, and citrus.
The flavors are sweet, tart, and juicy. The colors pop, making it look appetizing.
Our tip: Add a hint of mint for extra zing. We love how the fruits' natural sweetness is balanced by a squeeze of lime.
Fruit salad is always a bright, healthy side.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
